"From our point of view, a bit of a soft penalty got them back in the game and then we spent most of the second half defending, as you expect to when you come to the home of the champions.

"Maybe it was a little bit of a pull but it happens all the time and you see a lot of them not given. But a point at Manchester City is still a good point for us and we'll look forward to the next game."

The Sale-born centre-back went on to blame tiredness for his side's failure to maintain their impressive start to the game.

"We were a little bit tired," he continued. "We had a big game Wednesday as well so we've had a busy week."

"With them being able to freshen up and bring on the sort of quality they can bring on, they kept us camped in our own half in the second half and we struggled to get out at times.

"But I don't think they created too many clear cut chances and our goalkeeper came to our aid a couple of times, but you'll take that, especially when you're defending a point."